Human Resources Officer

Wastateshrm; Spokane Valley, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wastateshrm in Spokane Valley, WA seeks an HR Officer to support the district’s mission by managing onboarding, compliance, and data management under the Director of Human Resources.

You will coordinate the full-cycle hiring process, maintain accurate employee records, handle payroll and benefits inquiries, ensure state and federal compliance, and prepare reports for administrators and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Public sector/K-12 HR operations experience preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office and HRIS systems.
• Strong understanding of Washington labor laws and education-related HR policies.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate full-cycle hiring process including postings, ATS, interviews, onboarding, and orientation.
• Serve as contact for payroll, benefits, and leave policies inquiries.
• Maintain accurate employee records for hires, resignations, retirements, and leaves.
• Support substitute staffing and training coordination.
• Communicate with universities for student teacher placements and related records.
• Enter and maintain HR and payroll data in district software systems.
• Generate custom reports for administrators and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Continuously evaluate and improve data systems including absence and volunteer tracking.

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Human Resources or designee, this Officer position supports the district’s mission by managing and coordinating a wide range of HR functions including employee onboarding, compliance, and data management. This role ensures efficient HR operations while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinate the full-cycle hiring process, including job postings, applicant tracking, interviews, onboarding, and orientation.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits (including retirement programs), and leave policies.
• Maintain accurate employee records, including but not limited to: new hires, resignations, retirements, and leaves of absence.
• Support substitute staffing and training coordination.
• Communicate with universities to coordinate student teacher placements and maintain related records.
• Enter and maintain HR and payroll data in district software systems.
• Generate custom reports for administrators and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Continuously evaluate and improve data systems, including employee management, absence management and volunteer tracking.
• Administer and monitor FMLA, PFML, and other leave programs from initiation to closure.
• Coordinate workers’ compensation claims and related documentation.
• Manage annual coaching contracts and serve as the HR liaison for coaching staff.
• Manage classified contracts and serve as the HR liaison for classified staff.
• Interpret and enforce collective bargaining agreements and district policies.
• Assist with employment background checks and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Conduct or assist with internal investigations related to employee conduct, complaints, or policy violations, ensuring thorough documentation and confidentiality.
• Track and maintain training records and ensure staff meet required training deadlines.
• Monitor and maintain employee certification and licensure records in accordance with state and district requirements.
• Notify staff of upcoming certification expirations and assist with renewal processes.
• Ensure compliance with OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) and other regulatory bodies.
• Manage and track recurring HR deadlines related to payroll, benefits enrollment, contract renewals, compliance reporting, and staffing cycles.
• Develop and maintain calendars and checklists to ensure timely completion of cyclical HR tasks throughout the academic year.
• Prioritize and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient in organizing and maintaining both physical and digital personnel files in accordance with district policies, legal requirements, and best practices for confidentiality and accessibility.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel information and adhere to data privacy standards.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
• Draft, edit, and format correspondence, reports, and presentations using various software tools.
• Collaborate with school leaders and departments to support staffing and HR initiatives.
• Represent the HR department in meetings and training as needed.
• Must be able to work occasional overtime to meet district deadlines.
• Regular, on-site attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Desired Skills

• Experience in the public sector or K-12 HR operations strongly preferred.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher) with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new HRIS and district-specific software systems.
• Strong understanding of Washington State labor laws and education-related HR policies.
• Strong clerical skills including accurate record keeping, document formatting, proofreading, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and in compliance with confidentiality standards.
• Flexible and proactive in learning new concepts, adapting to changing priorities, and taking initiative in problem-solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, administrators, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive workplace.
• Maintains a high standard of professionalism, reliability, punctuality, and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Able to work independently, prioritize tasks, make sound decisions, and follow through with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum two years of college or equivalent work experience (documentation required at time of application); college degree strongly preferred.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license or evidence of mobility.
• Proof of Immunization (if born 1/1/57 or later).
• I-9 Employment Eligibility in compliance with the Immigrations Reform and Control Act.
• Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds or 33% of body weight, whichever is less.